Dog reacting to an insect in the house archived

muppet

Dec 4, 2013 at 10:02am

Good pet people of MOL, can you think of any reason why a grown dog would suddenly be spooked by the sight and/or sound of an insect in the house? One day a couple of weeks ago a fly got into my home office and was buzzing for a while against the window. The dog started barking at it, and continued to bark for quite some time until I made him go downstairs so I could work in peace. I think that was on a Friday, and on the following Monday he came upstairs and started barking at the window again even though there was no longer a fly there. The next day he came up and mostly growled at the window interspersed with some barking. Since then (sometime before Thanksgiving) he has refused to go into my office at all, where previously he would spend all day in there with me while I work. He finally came up into the office this afternoon, but then he started barking again at the (fly-less) window. It's bizarre. The dog is not usually afraid of sounds - he doesn't really react to the vacuum or thunder or fireworks, for example - so I can't quite figure out why he is acting this way.

Any insight or advice you can give into this odd behavior would be appreciated. While it's kind of comical to observe, I miss my little buddy hanging out with me all day while I work!

[Also, if it helps to know, the dog is roughly six years old, about 20 pounds, a mix (some kind of terrier and something that gave him an underbite!), and we've had him for almost three years since we got him from a shelter.]

Thanks.

cupoftea

Dec 4, 2013 at 12:51pm

Our beloved corgi became terrified of flies somewhere around the age of 3 and remained scared of them until she passed away at 16. We have no idea how it all started (presumably one bit her at some point or maybe just the noise) but it was one of her quirks and one of the things that my husband and I remember with great fondness at her antics to get away from those flying insects! Including frequently hiding in the bathtub of all places!!!!! And she did NOT love baths! I'm sorry that I can't give you any tips on how to alleviate your dog's fear but just know that many years from now you will think back on this memory and smile.

calliope

Dec 4, 2013 at 2:09pm

Muppet, he may have been stung, or had it fly in or close to his ear,or up his nose, at any rate he has imprinted that experience and thinks of the room as a "bad" place. You need to counter condition him.

Start with a high value treat (like chicken---but something he loves , but doesn't get every day) and when he comes upstairs, and doesn't bark ,give him a tiny treat. Wait a little bit, and the longer the quiet lasts, give him another little treat. Stretch out the intervals between treats,as long as he is quiet (the hope is, once he smells the treats, he will fixate on getting a treat.) Don't do anymore than ten,tiny treats. Observe him to see if he starts to get agitated or runs away from the room. Call him to you,and if he comes back ,give him a treat. The purpose of this is to replace he bad memory with a good one . Do this for about 10 days, decreasing the frequency of the treats, until he reaches the goal of being the relaxed companion ,again, that you know and love. Good luck !

jameskpolk

Dec 4, 2013 at 6:48pm

My pitbull is scared of flies. I think one landed on his butt when he was 2 or 3 and ever since then, he hides in the bathroom or under the kitchen table when a fly gets in the house. And he constantly looks back at his butt. PTSD.

Tom_Reingold

Dec 4, 2013 at 7:02pm

Borrow my dog. She'll teach your dog to catch flies in her mouth and eat them. She's very good at it.

Tilia

Dec 5, 2013 at 2:19am

Cesar Milan

muppet

Dec 6, 2013 at 8:18am

Thanks so much, folks, especially Calliope with the tips! Our dog is highly treat-motivated so I have been able to lure him into my office with the promise of a snack. The first time there was some growling/barking at the window, but right now he's sleeping peacefully. Fingers crossed it keeps up and he doesn't end up in the bathtub like some of the stories above. These animals are so funny with their quirks!

calliope

Dec 6, 2013 at 9:17am

YAY!!!! It is working! It takes some time,and repetition, but pretty soon he will be his relaxed self again.
And thanks, @muppet, for the shout out---so often I feel like the voice in the wilderness, and it is not common to get the follow-up--- I am so glad this is working for you and your pup!

MickeyMouse

Dec 6, 2013 at 7:34pm

Tilia I'm with you about getting Cesar Milan to help this dog, but he is very expensive. I also like cupoftea suggestion on using the treats to help the dog associate good things with the home office. I really think this one will work and will not cost as much as getting Cesar Milan to tell you the same thing.

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